The past few weeks have seen some upheavals in coaching staffs at Pitt, particularly in women’s basketball.
On March 3, head coach Tory Verdi was let go by the University. Then on March 23, Robin Harmony, head coach at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, was selected as the 11th person to lead Pitt’s women's basketball program
The women’s team had a record of 8-23 overall in the season that just ended, and 1-17 in ACC play. Verdi was hired in 2023 and was 29-66 overall and 8-46 in conference play across three seasons.
Verdi and the University also were sued earlier this year by six former players over what they call abusive coaching methods, and they say their efforts to seek help were ignored. Verdi, according to the lawsuit, also tried to force players into the transfer portal, putting their scholarships at risk and threatening their academic and athletic futures.
The university denied the allegations on behalf of both the coach and the school.
"The university is aware of these lawsuits and their allegations, which are without merit and will be vigorously defended," the statement said.
The team has not had a winning record since the 2014-15 season under Suzie McConnell Serio.
Harmony is the winningest coach in the College of Charleston's Division I era with 122 victories. She led the Cougars to a program-record 27 this past season. Over her 19 seasons as a head coach, she has recorded 369 victories. She was at Charleston from 2019-26, and also was head coach at Lamar University in Texas (2013-19) and St. Thomas University in Florida (2007-13).
"Throughout this process, it was important for us to find someone who understands the value of connection with our student-athletes, with our alumni, and with the broader Pitt community,” said Director of Athletics Allen Greene. “Coach Harmony has built a reputation on forming meaningful relationships with student-athletes and leading with an athlete-centered philosophy that prioritizes their growth both on and off the court.”
Men’s basketball
On March 13, Greene said in an announcement that he had decided to stick with men’s basketball head coach Jeff Capel.
“To be blunt, this season fell well short of our expectations. Our level of investment in this year's team was sufficient enough for us to reach the NCAA Tournament at a minimum,” Greene said. “Simply fighting to qualify for the ACC Tournament is not good enough, and I am sure you feel the same way.”
The AD said the team’s “best path forward is leadership continuity paired with clear expectations and a willingness to evolve.”
After a season that ended with an overall record of 13-20 and 5-13 in ACC play, there were stirrings among fans to change coaches.
Greene said the decision to keep Capel, who has been at Pitt since XXX, was not simple, “and I believe you deserve to understand the thinking behind it.” He also said that he and Capel will “will continue to examine every aspect of the program and will make the necessary changes.”
Part of those changes are already happening, as news broke that assistant coaches Jason Capel, the head coach’s younger brother, and Tim O’Toole will not return for the 2026-27 season.
— Susan Jones
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